Hi! My name is Mier, a computer engineer and digital nomad. In addition to typical travel, I’m actively conquering various summits in the Philippines. I’m also documenting my adventures for fellow mountaineers who enjoy hiking solo or as part of a group. If you have questions, feel free to message me on Facebook or Instagram.
Amen, Mount Apo! checkout this video
Jump to: [Highlights] [Gears] [Useful Contacts]
Hiking Summary (3D2N)
Day 0:
Travel from Cebu to Davao via Airplane
Taxi from Airport to SM Lanang (3P) - 50 PHP
Jeepney from SM Lanang to downtown near the hotel - 15 PHP
Overnight at Hotel Midori Davao [Book Here] - 490 PHP
Dinner at some restaurant nearby the hotel - 300 PHP
Bought some trail food and water - 200 PHP
Medical Certificate - 150 PHP
Day 1: Actual Climb - 6,500 PHP with Herby Tours
4:00 am: Van pick up from Davao City to Kapatagan
Day 1 breakfast and lunch are not included in the package
Breakfast at Kapatagan - 100 PHP
Bought food for the lunch on the trail - 75 PHP
Drove from Kapatagan to jump off
8:30 am: Started the hike to Sitio Culan for the briefing
4 hours Trek from Sition Culan to Camp 1
Lunch at Basakan E-Camp
Bugha-an Signage
Big Rock E-Camp
1:48 pm: Arrived at Tinikaran Campsite
Campsite has water source and I also bathed there
Dinner and lights off at 7pm
Day 2:
1:00 am: Call time
Break camp and quick coffee before heading off
2:00 am: Start of trek from Camp 1 to Summit to Camp Reyes
3:30 am: Reached the boulders [Cinematic Video]
Stopped in the middle of the boulders for breakfast
7:00 am: White sand
8:30 am: Crater lake
9:00 am: we finally reached the summits [Cinematic Video]
Digos Summit at 9:10 AM
Center Summit at 10:30 AM
12:00 nn: Lunch at Old Campsite
3:30 pm: Reached Camp Reyes
Camp site also has a water source and a stream to bath but it can be too cold
Dinner and lights off at 7am
Day 3:
7:00 am: Call time
8:00 am: Breakfast and break camp
9:00 am: Start decent to Bansalan jump off
2:00 pm: Reached Bansalan Jump Off
Victory drink (coke) and Bread - 100 PHP
Drove back to Davao City via Van
Overnight at Hotel Midori Davao [Book Here] - 472 PHP
Day 4:
Breakfast and Coffee at Mcdo - 200 PHP
Lunch at Mang Inasal - 248 PHP
Flew back from Davao to Cebu
Total Expenses: 8,900 PHP (excluding plane ticket)
General Tips:
Except in summer, campsites have water sources; therefore, just bring enough water to hydrate you for a couple of hours of trekking.
The temperature, especially at Camp Reyes, can be very cold. Make sure to have some heat packs or thermal clothes if possible.
Rest as much as you can on Day 0.
Take your time. Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the country; underestimating it should never be an option.
Make sure to leave no trace!
Recommended Gears:
Camping:
Hiking Bag: Osprey Talon 36L
Super Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cloud Up (2P)
Pillow: Naturehike Inflattable Pillow
Super Lightweight Chair: Naturehike Folding Chair
Gadgets:
Tech Bag: Cullen Wayne Commuter Backpack
Waterproof Bag: Naturehike 30L Bag
Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro
Selfie Stick and Tripod: For insta 360 and Phone (needs holder)
Highlights:
Sitio Culan to Camp 1:
The trek from the jump-off to Camp 1, where we would spend our first night, took about four hours. We began by crossing a stretch of farmlands before entering the lush forest. After a quick lunch and some photo taking, we arrived at the campsite around 2 pm. Although it was a bit early, we needed the time to rest up for the more challenging hike ahead on the second day.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a lively troop of wild monkeys. I took a refreshing bath, explored the surroundings, and relaxed around the campsite. After a hearty dinner, we turned in early to recharge for the adventures that awaited us the next day.
The Boulders: [Cinematic Video]
Day 2 was by far the most grueling. We woke up at 1 a.m., packed up quickly, and set off with nothing more than a sip of coffee to fuel us. The darkness of the night made everything feel endless as we began our ascent.
With a heavy pack on my back, I pushed through what was easily the most demanding and mentally draining climb I’d ever faced. The lack of visibility left me agitated, unsure of how much farther we had to go. Every step felt uncertain, and the thought that a single misstep could send me tumbling down kept my mind racing.
The first phase of the challenge ended when the acrid scent of spoiled egg suddenly hit me. It was then that I realized we were approaching the toughest part of the climb: the boulders.
With masks on, we continued the ascent, now battling not only the physical strain but the elements as well. Climbing over large rocks, trying to avoid slipping through the gaps, was one thing, but the biting cold wind and the overpowering stench of sulfur made every step feel even more punishing. The icy chill on my skin every time I paused for breath was like a constant reminder that this wasn’t going to be easy.
At the halfway point through the boulders, we paused to take in the stunning sunrise. The world around us began to glow with the soft hues of dawn, and we decided to enjoy a quick breakfast and savor the moment. The cold was biting, but I lingered as long as I could, trying to absorb every bit of the golden hour’s beauty.
Afterward, we pressed on, crossing fields of white sand before tackling the final, steep push to the summit of Mt. Apo.
Summit: [Cinematic Video]
Finally, we made it to the summit!
After countless leg-breaking assaults and moments of doubt, I could finally check off one more item on my list—not just any item, but the highest peak in the Philippines! The sense of triumph was indescribable, a mix of relief and elation that flooded over me in waves. Standing there, on top of Mt. Apo, I realized just how much I was capable of—how far I could push myself when I refused to give up.
It wasn’t just about reaching the top; it was about the journey, the struggle, and the lessons learned along the way. It’s a feeling that can’t be captured in words, but it will stay with me forever.
Camp Reyes:
After fueling up at the summit, we began our descent to Camp Reyes along the Bansalan Trail.
Day 3 was mostly about heading back to the city. From our campsite, it took us about five hours to reach the pickup point where the van awaited. I decided to break away from the group for a while, advancing ahead to keep a steady pace and enjoy the solitude of the journey.The trail wasn’t too steep, but it posed its own challenges with thick napier grass and fallen trees obstructing the path.
A couple of hours into the forest, I emerged onto an open trail and was greeted by vast fields of farmland, stretching as far as the eye could see. The foggy weather added a mystical touch as I walked through plains of cabbages, carrots, and a variety of crops, immersed in the serene beauty of rural life.
Finally, I reached the pickup point, tired and sore from the exertion, but with a deep sense of fulfillment. Climbing Mt. Apo was an unforgettable adventure—one of a kind. The memories I created with my friends and fellow trekkers will forever hold a special place in my heart. Like all the mountains I’ve climbed, each one fills my heart with gratitude, but also a yearning for the next peak, the next challenge. For now, though, I’ll take a moment to say, "I love you and thank you, Mt. Apo!"
Recommended Gears:
Camping:
Hiking Bag: Osprey Talon 36L
Super Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cloud Up (2P)
Pillow: Naturehike Inflattable Pillow
Super Lightweight Chair: Naturehike Folding Chair
Gadgets:
Tech Bag: Cullen Wayne Commuter Backpack
Waterproof Bag: Naturehike 30L Bag
Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro
Selfie Stick and Tripod: For insta 360 and Phone (needs holder)
Useful Contacts:
Guide and Organizer: https://www.facebook.com/HerbyTours
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